Special Services

Resource Center, Grades 6 to 8

Disabilities Addressed/Student Profile

The East Middle School Resource Center services students who present with an array of learning disabilities and learning challenges. Students are fully included in all mainstream academic and specials other than the Resource Center. Students generally receive assistance in the Resource Center to help:

• Reinforce mainstream academic instruction

• Clarify of instruction

• Assist with homework

• Help with organization

Students’ cognitive abilities generally fall within the average range but exhibit skill levels that are not commensurate with these abilities.

Entry Criteria & Process

Students may be referred to the program from a variety of sources, including by not limited to:

• Administrators

• Guidance counselors

• Guidance/adjustment counselors

• Medical professionals

• Outside agencies

• Parents

• School psychologists

• Service providers

• Teachers

Special education evaluations that are administered by school district personnel and assessments from private agencies may be considered when determining eligibility for Resource Center services. Placement decisions are made through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team process.

Program Goal

The goal of the program is to provide the academic support needed for students to be successful in mainstream classes. Through the remediation of educational weaknesses, the goal is to develop independent learning skills and the ability to compensate for their learning differences.

Program Description

The Resource Center offers students assistance with executive functioning organization, study skills, remediation and test-taking strategies. The program reviews and re-teaches academic lessons using a multi-sensory approach to learning and strategies that are complementary to students’ individual learning styles. Services may be delivered individually or in a small group setting. 

Resource Center teachers may also accompany students to their general education classrooms. During their time in the mainstream classrooms, they may assist mainstream teachers with instruction and provide clarification for students in need. Resource Center staff advocate for their students, communicate regularly with all mainstream teacher and parents.

Staffing

Currently, the program is staffed by four special educators and paraprofessional staff. The staffing of the program depends upon the needs of the students and the number of students requiring service.